Fashion Blog

Even after Barack Obama made history last night from being elected the first African-American president, there seems to be an unusual amount of hype surrounding his wife’s attire. I doubt that this topic should be so heavily discussed in the midst of the past ground-breaking 24 hours, but I might as well contribute my two cents.

No, Michelle Obama did not make the average choice when deciding what dress to don last night, and kudos to her! How refreshing it was to see a First Lady in something other than a predictable, uberconservative suit! Yet, her black and red dress by Narcisco Rodriguez didn’t seem to be a hit, as several not-so-enthusiastic reviews suggest.

Still, I admire her sense of freedom in her wardrobe choice. No one may ever top the sartorially iconic Jackie O, but can Michelle pull off her style picks? Yes she can!

InStyle.com

Style.com

Western edge meets boho chic : the perfect marriage of style on the Ready-to-Wear runways of Gucci and Hermès at the Fall 2008 shows. Both prove that a little fringe goes a long way; scarves, bags, and suede boots are reminiscent of ’60s hippie flair — but with just enough to keep it fresh and, well, hip.

Style.com

Style.com

Online Finds:

Macy's

Macy's

Flash back to the ’80s and early ’90s — hair bands and uber-rebellious fashion fads consume the mind. But as all trends make their rounds and return after decades of hibernation, are we finally witnessing the homecoming of the acid wash jean?

We’ve seen the occasional remnants of the oh-so-iconic denim style each year, but it seems to have returned with a vengeance on the runway of the Balmain Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear show in Paris.

What to think about this re-emergence? Well, it may not sate every woman’s sartorial thirst, but the jeans sure do look surprisingly fresh paired with a feminine leather jacket or a fun embellished print. Who knew?

Style.com

Style.com

Style.com

Diane von Furstenberg always seems to hit the right notes when it comes to textures and patterns, especially for the fall season. Her Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection is a stylish cadence of fun prints, cool jackets, and the divine dress silhouettes that she is so well known for.

The look below is a perfect mix: a bold-print dress tucked under a houndstooth trench with a patent heel. Both smart and sophisticated.

Style.com

GET THE LOOK:

Overstock.com

Overstock.com

Overstock.com

Polish off the look with some suede gloves in a pumpkin hue and a thin black croc belt.

The former Spice Girl has taken “Posh” to a whole new level with her new line of ready-to-wear dresses that made their debut this week in New York.

Style.com

The collection is undoubtedly Beckham’s brainchild; the silhouettes are sleek and sophisticated, mirroring her own personal style to perfection. Each dress is fitted and tailored beautifully, blending seamlessly from day to evening.

What’s not to love? These dresses are versatile and chic — a wardrobe must. But of course, we would expect nothing less from the fabulous Victoria!

Erin Fetherston’s Spring 2009 Ready-to-wear collection boasts the playful innocence of a young girl’s dress-up trunk with the right amount of feminine sophistication.

Style.com

The color palette: pastel hues of pink, blue, green, lilac, and ivory. The silhouettes are simple and pretty; asymmetrical tops accentuate the neck and are paired with long, flowing skirts and pants in soft linen and chiffon. The princess-like appeal is heightened with the use of sequins, watercolor, and ruffled accents on cocktail and full-length dresses.

THE LOOK FOR LESS: a Robert Rodriguez one-shoulder ruffle dress.

Nordstrom.com

Another unique trend that hit the runways this season is a punch of punk flair. Although it may be quite different from what you’re used to putting in your closet, you shouldn’t shy away from the look so quickly.

When paired with streamlined staples, punk accent pieces can add a kick to your everyday ensemble. The Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear looks below give an edgy twist to the season’s new trends: the high-waisted bottom and the flirty pop of color. Don’t punk out — give ‘em a try!

Anna Sui

L.A.M.B.

I’ll admit that pink isn’t usually my wardrobe color of choice. Yet, I must say that this season’s color palette has me intrigued.

Garments in bright, fruity hues have graced several runways this season, and hot pink seems to be on the forefront of budding spring trends. Does the shocking shade frighten you? It doesn’t have to.

Whether you plan to don the color head-to-toe or just in simple accent pieces, the Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear looks below may give you the inspiration you need. Who knows? You just might re-think the pink.

Costume National

Blumarine

Emilio Pucci

I recently attended two different fashion shows held here at Tech, one of which was for an organization I am part of, the Fashion Merchandising and Design Society (FMDS).

This year’s show was the first for which there was an actual runway, hence the name “Haute Off the Runway.” My own camera didn’t cooperate and take high-quality pictures, so here’s a link to some professional photographs of our fabulous fashion show! I was very pleased — great student-designed pieces with a couture flare.

The Flashing Lights Fashion Show was held this past weekend and was hosted by Virginia Tech’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Overall, a great show. Upbeat and fresh with an urban edge. Below are some photos of the event — enjoy!

This Spring 2008 look from DKNY is the perfect little number for a warm night out on the town. The black satin dress is a classic, yet the tangerine sash belt and sunglasses add the pop of color that is this season’s hottest trend. Paired with a patent strappy heel, this look supplies just the right balance of sassy chic and spring’s fruity hues.

First: the dress. Every woman has her go-to “Little Black Dress,” but this season is taking the classic LBD to new heights with shorter hemlines. I found this great deal below from Forever 21, and at only $27.80, it’s perfect for dressing up or down with a wide range of accessories.

Second: the belt. I found a similar accent piece; not a belt, but a fabulous linen-blend scarf from Old Navy for just $14.50. Wear as a belt as per the DKNY inspiration, or drape around the neck on a breezy evening.

Third: the sunglasses. These cool shades in their orange shade are funky and fun for spring and summer, and the ones below from MaxMara are $29.99 at Overstock.com.

Finally: the shoe. Since I found the dress and accessories at such low prices, I opted for a pricier shoe, which is where you should invest the bulk of your money anyway. This pair of MICHAEL Michael Kors heels is a fantastic staple for the season for $109 at Dillard’s. Its patent straps are great for nighttime and the wood heel gives the shoe a beachy feel.

Altogether: under $200. Remember, a fabulous designer-inspired look is never out of reach — or out of budget!